The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-09-22
AN ARTIFICIAL LARYNx.
A Genuine Talking Apparatus Sub
stituted for the Vocal Organs.


From the Boston advertiser.
One of the most remarkable operations in
the history of surgery is now being per-
formed at the New York Hospital by DR..
Bull, one of Americas most noted surgeons.
He has removed a mans larynx and vocal
organs, and is now perfecting a machine
whereby the patient may be able to articu-
late in a loud tone
About six months ago Mr.. William Will
son, an engineer of Newburg, n. Y, who
is undergoing this painful but heroic opera
ton, experienced a difficulty in breathing
He thought at first that it was some throat
affection caused by cold, but the trouble
increased at such a rate that he felt it expe-
dent TO come to New York and consult Dr.
Bull. 1t is fortunate that he did, for had he
delayed two days he would have been dead
man. AS it was, he was in danger of suffo-
cation.
Dr. Bull thought that Mr.. Wilson was
suffering from a capillary growth in the
larynx, the same disease that the Crown
Prince of Germany was under treatment in
England for. The operation of tracheot-
omy was performed by cutting an orifice in
his windpipe and passing a silver tube into
the lungs, thus allowing the man to breathe
through this medium. When it was neces-
sary to feed him. this opening was plugged
up with rubber cork. The larynx was
also opened at this time, scraped out and
cauterized.
Mr. Wilson went home apparently in good
health and experienced no difficulty with
his new breathing machinery. He did not
enjoy his freedom from pain very long,
however, for he returned in three weeks
with his throat in worse condition that at
first. The wound was opened and piece of
the papillary growth examined under a mi
crospe. 1t was learned that Mr. Wilson was
suffering from cancer of the larynx. Dr.
Bull then decided to remove the whole
larynx, and with the assistance of Dr.
Weir five weeks ago performed most sue
cessful operation. Mr.. Wilson, who is a
man go years, stood the ordeal bravely, but
it was decided to put him under the influence
of ether. The surgeons cut an incision
down the median line of the neck per-
pendicularly over what is known as
Adams apple. The wound being we'll
sponged, the delicate task of removing
two inches of the mans larynx was then
undertaken. 1t was cut off just above the
trachea and below the epiglottis, and the
piece removed 1t resembles in alcohol a
piece of macaronl half as large as a mans
thumb and about as long. The wound was
packed with an antiseptic dressing that
stopped the flow Of blood and tended to heal
the cut. Food was then administered to
him by means of hard rubber tube pass
ing into the stomach Two weeks ago
tube was attached to the tracheal tube on
the inside of the orifice in his throat. This
tube passed upward into the back part of
the mouth, partly filling the cavity that
was formerly occupied by the larynx.
After this tube was put into his mouth
Mr.. Wilson could talk with his tongue and
lips, but his articulation was very faint.
Then after this tube was inserted it was
necessary to put a plug in the upper end of
the tube whenever he wished to eat; for
without a plug his food instead of follow
ing the natural channel to the stomach,
would lodge in the tube DIR. Bull there
upon inserted rubber ball that closely
fitted the orifice. This accomplished the
desired result in that direction. Then the
plug was withdrawn from the other, or
tracheal tube, thereby allowing the man to
breathe and eat at the same time.
Having performed these astonishing OPP
erations so successfully, DIR. Bull thought
he would go further and provide the man
with Il talking apparatus, seeing that he
had cut away all of his vocal organs. He is
accomplishing his purpose in wonderfully
clever manner inasmuch as he has made
hollow plug to fit the tube that runs into the
mouth. In this hollow plug a reed identi
cal to the little tongue of metal that vibrates
in harmonica is placed and fastened with
great care in such manner that it will vi
brate and cause a distinct tone when the
outer orifice is closed, and the air drawn
into the mouth, through the two jointed
tubes into the lungs and from the lungs ex-
PEELED in the same manner.
The Doctor is experiencing some trouble
in fitting this reed, but thinks that in
weeks time Mr.. Wilson can talk as well as
ne ever could, though his tone will be
changed, that, of course, taking the tone
and pitch OF the reed.
Mr.. Wilson will not have to learn TO talk
again, but doubtless will surprise himself
when his new voice gets in good working
order. New reeds can be put In at any
time that Mr.. Wilson's voice fails him, but
one reed properly taken care OF should last
him the remainder Of his natural life. He
has stood his sufferings well, and when he
returns home In a few days he will be en-
abed 30 attend % his business, though II Is
thought that bis friends won't recognize his
voice over the telephone. For delicacy Of
operation and the remarkable results at
tained, this operation hns never been
equaled.
Delicate diseases Of either sex,
however induced. speedily and radically
cured. Address, In confidence, Worlds
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